In a clear attempt at retaliation, the Iraqi parliament has approved what it tries to sugarcoat as a "reciprocity measure" following President Trump's executive order barring people and refugees from seven predominantly Muslim countries which includes Iraq from entering the U.S.
The White House has emphatically clarified that the temporary ban with a prescribed period of three to four months will only be in force to allow the U.S. government the time and opportunity to improve and tighten its vetting process for immigrants, visitors and refugees to prevent potential terrorists from entering the U.S.
Despite the strong clarification, it appears that the Iraqi government would rather "get back" against the U.S. instead of offering understanding for its plans. The reciprocity measure by Iraq will apply to Americans entering Iraq.However, the exact terms of the measure are not yet clear.
President Trump was also quick to clarify that his executive order signed on Friday does not constitute a "Muslim ban". He said that America is a proud nation of immigrants and that his administration will continue to show compassion to those experiencing oppression, but that he and his officials will have to do so while protecting their own citizens and border. The President has emphasized his priority for the sovereignty of American border and the safety of Americans, something he said the media knows but refuses to report on.
The President also added earlier via a Twitter message that it was really a strategic move not to give prior notice to the temporary ban, because if they did, it would have given the opportunity for "bad people" to rush to the U.S.
" If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the 'bad' would rush into our country that week. A lot of bad 'dudes' out there!", the President tweeted.
